2 Chronicles 28:27

KJV

And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, [even] in Jerusalem: but they brought him not into the sepulchres of the kings of Israel: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Ahaz {H271} slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}, and they buried {H6912} him in the city {H5892}, even in Jerusalem {H3389}: but they brought {H935} him not into the sepulchres {H6913} of the kings {H4428} of Israel {H3478}: and Hezekiah {H3169} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

Achaz slept with his ancestors, and they buried him in the city, in Yerushalayim; because they did not bring him to the tombs of the kings of Isra'el. Then Hizkiyahu his son took his place as king.

Berean Standard Bible

And Ahaz rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of Jerusalem, but he was not placed in the tombs of the kings of Israel. And his son Hezekiah reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, even in Jerusalem; for they brought him not into the sepulchres of the kings of Israel: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 28:27 succinctly concludes the reign of King Ahaz, marking his death and a burial that conspicuously excluded him from the traditional royal sepulchres in Jerusalem, a profound symbol of divine disfavor and national disapproval. This verse simultaneously announces the accession of his son, Hezekiah, whose righteous rule would soon usher in a period of significant spiritual reform and restoration for Judah, thereby juxtaposing the end of a wicked era with the dawn of hope.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding summary of King Ahaz's reign, which is detailed in [2 Chronicles 28](/2_chronicles/28 "2 Chronicles 28 - The Wicked Reign of Ahaz"). The preceding verses describe his profound wickedness, including his adoption of pagan worship, the sacrifice of his own children, and his closing of the doors of the temple of the Lord. His reign was marked by military defeats and national humiliation, attributed directly to his apostasy. Verse 27, therefore, acts as a pivotal transition, closing the chapter on one of Judah's most ungodly kings and immediately preceding the account of Hezekiah's righteous reign, which begins in [2 Chronicles 29](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29 - Hezekiah's Reforms"). This stark contrast highlights the Chronicler's theological agenda: demonstrating the consequences of covenant disobedience and the blessings of faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Ahaz ruled Judah from approximately 735-715 BC, a tumultuous period dominated by the rising power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Ahaz, in his fear and lack of faith, sought alliance with Assyria against the Syro-Ephraimite coalition, rather than trusting in the Lord (as recounted in [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Syro-Ephraimite War and Ahaz's Unbelief")). This political alignment led to the adoption of Assyrian religious practices and widespread idolatry within Judah, including the construction of pagan altars throughout Jerusalem and Judah, and even the detestable practice of child sacrifice, as noted in [2 Kings 16:3](/2_kings/16-3 "2 Kings 16:3 - Ahaz's Child Sacrifice"). The burial custom of kings was highly significant; most Judean kings were interred in the royal sepulchres on the Ophel hill in Jerusalem. Exclusion from these tombs, as seen with Ahaz and previously with [King Jehoram](/2_chronicles/21-20 "2 Chronicles 21:20 - Jehoram's Dishonorable Burial"), was a public and severe mark of dishonor, signifying divine judgment and the people's condemnation of a king's unrighteous reign.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme underscored by Ahaz's death and burial is the **consequences of unrighteous leadership** and **divine judgment**. Ahaz's deliberate rejection of the Mosaic covenant and his promotion of idolatry brought severe national distress and ultimately, personal disgrace even in death. His exclusion from the royal tombs serves as a powerful visual testament to God's disfavor and the principle that leaders are held accountable for their actions and their influence on the nation. Conversely, the immediate mention of Hezekiah's succession introduces a theme of **hope and divine faithfulness** despite human failure. The Chronicler frequently emphasizes the cycle of apostasy leading to judgment and repentance leading to restoration, and Hezekiah's reign would embody this latter aspect, signaling a potential for national renewal and a return to covenant loyalty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slept with his fathers (Hebrew, _shakhav im avotav'_):** This is a common biblical euphemism for death, particularly for kings and patriarchs. While it generally implies a peaceful passing and joining one's ancestors in the afterlife, in Ahaz's case, the subsequent exclusion from the royal tombs adds a crucial qualification. It signifies the end of his physical life, but the manner of his burial immediately negates any implication of an honorable or blessed end, underscoring the divine judgment upon his reign.
* **Sepulchres (Hebrew, קְבֻרוֹת, _qevurot'_):** This term refers to burial places or tombs. In the context of Judean kings, "the sepulchres of the kings of Israel" (or Judah) specifically denotes the revered royal burial grounds located on the Ophel ridge in Jerusalem. This was the customary resting place for most of Judah's monarchs, symbolizing their legitimate claim to the throne and their honorable place in the dynastic line. Ahaz's explicit exclusion from these specific tombs highlights the unique severity of the dishonor bestowed upon him, far beyond a mere burial in the city.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ahaz slept with his fathers":** This standard biblical idiom marks the natural end of Ahaz's life and reign. It sets the stage for the transition of power, a common formula used for many kings in the books of Kings and Chronicles.
* **"and they buried him in the city, [even] in Jerusalem":** This confirms that Ahaz was buried within the capital city, a common practice for kings. It indicates that he received a burial befitting a king in terms of location, but the following clause immediately qualifies this.
* **"but they brought him not into the sepulchres of the kings of Israel":** This is the crucial, distinctive element of the verse. It signifies a deliberate act of exclusion and dishonor. Unlike many of his predecessors and successors, Ahaz was denied burial in the revered royal tombs. This act was a public declaration of his unworthiness, a tangible manifestation of the divine judgment against his profound wickedness and apostasy, and a symbol of the nation's disapproval.
* **"and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead":** This final clause signals the immediate and divinely ordained succession. The transition from Ahaz to Hezekiah is presented as seamless in terms of lineage, yet profoundly significant in terms of spiritual direction. It closes the chapter on Ahaz's disastrous reign and opens the door to the hopeful, righteous rule of Hezekiah, setting the stage for the major reforms detailed in the subsequent chapters.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Euphemism** is evident in the phrase "slept with his fathers," which softens the harsh reality of death while simultaneously implying a continuity with the ancestral line. However, this euphemism is immediately undercut by a stark **Contrast**: Ahaz is buried "in the city" but *not* in "the sepulchres of the kings of Israel." This sharp juxtaposition highlights the unique and severe dishonor meted out to him. The burial site itself functions as **Symbolism**, where exclusion from the royal tombs becomes a powerful symbol of divine judgment and national condemnation, signifying a king deemed unworthy of the honorable resting place of his predecessors. Furthermore, the verse employs **Foreshadowing** by immediately introducing Hezekiah's succession. Given the Chronicler's theological perspective, this transition from a wicked king to a righteous one implicitly foreshadows a period of spiritual revival and national restoration, offering a glimmer of hope after the darkness of Ahaz's reign.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Ahaz's death and burial in 2 Chronicles 28:27 powerfully underscores the biblical principle of divine justice and accountability, particularly for those in positions of leadership. It demonstrates that God holds rulers responsible for their actions, their faithfulness to the covenant, and their influence on the spiritual well-being of the nation. Ahaz's dishonorable burial serves as a tangible, public manifestation of God's disfavor and the severe consequences of persistent rebellion and idolatry. This theological truth resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing that true honor and lasting legacy are not determined by earthly power or status, but by one's relationship with God and obedience to His commands. The immediate transition to Hezekiah's reign also highlights God's sovereignty in raising up leaders and His enduring faithfulness to His covenant people, even when they stray.

* [2 Chronicles 21:20](/2_chronicles/21-20 "2 Chronicles 21:20 - Jehoram's Dishonorable Burial")
* [Proverbs 10:7](/proverbs/10-7 "Proverbs 10:7 - The Memory of the Righteous")
* [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God Will Repay Each Person According to What They Have Done")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of King Ahaz's end serves as a profound reminder that our choices, especially those made in positions of influence, carry immense and lasting consequences. Ahaz's legacy was one of profound disgrace, not merely because of his personal failures, but because his unrighteous leadership led an entire nation astray, bringing suffering and divine judgment. For us today, this calls for a sober reflection on the kind of legacy we are building, not just for ourselves, but for those we influence—whether in our families, communities, workplaces, or churches. Are our lives characterized by faithfulness to God's truth, or by compromise and self-serving ambition? The stark contrast between Ahaz's end and the hopeful beginning of Hezekiah's reign also offers a powerful message of redemption and the possibility of a fresh start. Even after periods of profound spiritual decline, God, in His mercy, can raise up new leadership and bring about renewal. This encourages us to continually examine our own hearts, repent of our sins, and actively pursue righteousness, trusting in God's grace to transform our lives and our influence for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What aspects of Ahaz's reign serve as a warning for leaders today, both in secular and spiritual spheres?**
* **How does the concept of "legacy" as presented in this verse challenge or affirm your personal priorities and actions?**
* **In what ways can we, like Hezekiah, contribute to spiritual renewal and a return to God's ways in our own spheres of influence?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ahaz denied burial with the kings?**

Answer: Ahaz was denied burial in the traditional sepulchres of the kings of Israel (Judah) due to his extreme wickedness and profound apostasy, which brought immense suffering and spiritual corruption upon the nation. Unlike many of his predecessors, Ahaz actively promoted pagan worship, including child sacrifice ([2 Chronicles 28:3](/2_chronicles/28-3 "2 Chronicles 28:3 - Ahaz's Abominations")), closed the temple of the Lord, and adopted the idolatrous practices of foreign nations, particularly Assyria ([2 Chronicles 28:22-25](/2_chronicles/28-22 "2 Chronicles 28:22-25 - Ahaz's Persistent Idolatry")). This exclusion from the royal tombs was a severe public dishonor, symbolizing divine judgment and the nation's condemnation of a king who had utterly failed in his covenant responsibilities and led his people astray from God. It was a tangible mark of his disgrace, contrasting sharply with the honorable burials of righteous kings.

**What is the significance of Hezekiah's ascension immediately following Ahaz's death?**

Answer: The immediate mention of Hezekiah's ascension is highly significant as it marks a pivotal turning point in Judah's history. Following Ahaz's profoundly unrighteous and destructive reign, Hezekiah's rule brought a dramatic shift towards spiritual revival and national restoration. Hezekiah is consistently portrayed as one of Judah's most righteous kings, who, unlike his father, "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord" ([2 Chronicles 29:2](/2_chronicles/29-2 "2 Chronicles 29:2 - Hezekiah's Righteous Reign")). His reign began with extensive religious reforms, including reopening and cleansing the temple, restoring proper worship, and breaking down idolatrous altars ([2 Chronicles 29-31](/2_chronicles/29 "2 Chronicles 29-31 - Hezekiah's Reforms")). Therefore, the transition from Ahaz to Hezekiah signifies God's faithfulness to His covenant and His ability to raise up righteous leaders to bring about renewal, even after periods of profound national apostasy. It immediately introduces a sense of hope and the promise of a fresh start for Judah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The ignominious end of King Ahaz and the hopeful transition to Hezekiah's righteous reign in 2 Chronicles 28:27 beautifully foreshadow the ultimate contrast between the reign of sin and the perfect, eternal kingship of Jesus Christ. Ahaz, a king who led his people into idolatry and brought about national disgrace, stands as a stark example of humanity's fallen leadership and the consequences of rejecting God's covenant. His exclusion from the royal sepulchres symbolizes the ultimate spiritual alienation and judgment that awaits those who persist in rebellion against God. In contrast, the hope that emerges with Hezekiah, a king who initiated significant reforms and sought the Lord, points forward to the true and perfect King, Jesus Christ. Unlike Ahaz, whose reign ended in shame, Jesus, the Son of David, came not to lead His people into sin, but to deliver them from it. His perfect obedience and sacrificial death on the cross secured for us a place in the true "sepulchre" of eternal life, a spiritual inheritance far greater than any earthly tomb. While Ahaz's physical burial was marked by dishonor, Christ's burial was temporary, leading to His glorious resurrection and ascension, signifying His complete victory over sin and death ([Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ's Resurrection and Lordship")). He is the King who truly reigns in righteousness, establishing an everlasting kingdom where His followers will never be excluded but will dwell in His presence forever ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")). Thus, Ahaz's story, ending in judgment, serves to amplify the profound grace and perfect reign of our Lord Jesus Christ, the King who secures an honorable and eternal resting place for all who believe in Him ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place for Us")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 21:20

Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired. Howbeit they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings.

2 Chronicles 24:25

And when they were departed from him, (for they left him in great diseases,) his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest, and slew him on his bed, and he died: and they buried him in the city of David, but they buried him not in the sepulchres of the kings.

2 Chronicles 26:23

So Uzziah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of the burial which [belonged] to the kings; for they said, He [is] a leper: and Jotham his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 33:20

So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house: and Amon his son reigned in his stead.

Proverbs 10:7

¶ The memory of the just [is] blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot.

1 Samuel 2:30

Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed [that] thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

Isaiah 14:28

In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden.